Bundee Aki nominated for 6 Nations Player of the Championship

Bundee Aki's continued good form has been recognised with a nomination for Player of the Championship in the Guinness Six Nations.

The centre, who started four of Ireland's five games in this year's championship, is the only Irish nominee included.

England backrow Ben Earl, Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe and Italy centre Tommaso Menoncelo complete the shortlist.

Aki was Ireland's standout player in the Six Nations as they completed back-to-back titles, following on from his World Player of the Year nomination in November, which came after he scored five tries for Andy Farrell's side at the World Cup.

The Connacht man didn't score in this year's championship, but was key to Ireland's attack, winning more metres in contact (144) than any other player, with his ball-carrying skills key to getting Ireland consistently over the gainline.

He also recorded the most carry metres (380) and joint-most line breaks (4) of any centre in the Championship in 2024.

The award has been dominated by France's Antoine Dupont in recent years, with the scrum-half winning three of the last four. Jacob Stockdale was the last Irish winner of the vote, when he claimed the prize in 2018.

The winner will be revealed after a public vote, which closes at 11pm on Sunday 24 March.

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